The deal is awaiting clearance in Europe and China but is expected to go through in the first quarter of 2014. It will create the biggest communications group in the world, bringing together networks such as Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB and BBDO.
Executives at the two groups are already jostling for position in the new entity. Arthur Sadoun was recently promoted to the role of global chief executive of Publicis Worldwide, while OMD’s US chief executive, Alan Cohen, left to set up his own shop.
Should the merger receive approval, the groups will then look to obtain the agreement of their shareholders. There may be some resistance; the first lawsuits against the deal were filed just one day after the merger plans were confirmed in July.
The US antitrust waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 passed on 1 November, so the deal can no longer be challenged in that country.
Authorities in Canada, India, Turkey, South Africa and South Korea have also passed the deal.
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